Drive mechanism

ABSTRACT

A drive mechanism for driving a shaft in unison with a wheel. The drive mechanism includes a plurality of slave pistons and a like plurality of master pistons. Each slave piston is paired with a master piston to establish a plurality of paired pistons. A cam is operatively coupled to the wheel and to the master pistons to cause the master pistons to move between retracted and extended positions when the wheel is rotated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a division of application Ser. No. 07/096,621, now U.S. Pat. No.4,826,083 filed Sept. 14, 1987, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser.No. 06/939,679 filed Dec. 8, 1986, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates, in general, to a drive mechanism fordriving a shaft in unison with a wheel.

2. Description of the Related Art:

Various sprayers have been heretofore developed for being pulled bytractors, or the like, over fields to spray water/chemical mixes ontothe field to fertilize or weed the field, etc. Such prior art sprayersmay include an elongated primary manifold member for being positionedbehind the tractor transverse to the direction of movement of thetractor, a plurality of spray nozzles attached to the manifold member, awater tank holding a quantity of water, a water pump means for pumpingwater from the water tank to the manifold member and out the spraynozzles, a chemical tank, a chemical tank pump means for pumpingchemicals from the chemical tank to the suction side of the water pumpmeans and out the spray nozzles with the water, and a drive mechanismfor driving the chemical tank pump in unison with the rotation of aground engaging wheel. Such prior art sprayers do not disclose orsuggest the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward providing an improved drivemechanism for driving a shaft in unison with a wheel.

One objective of the present invention is to provide improved means forhydraulically driving a first shaft in unison with a second shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic top plan view of a first embodiment ofa direct injection sprayer.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the sprayer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line III--III ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of certain components of the drivemechanism of the sprayer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view substantially as taken on line V--Vof FIG. 4 with portions thereof omitted for clarity.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line VI--VI of FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line VII--VII ofFIG. 6 with portions thereof omitted for clarity.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line VIII--VIII ofFIG. 6 with portions thereof omitted for clarity.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of certain components of thedrive mechanism of the sprayer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the electrical circuit means of thesprayer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a somewhat diagrammatic top plan view of a second embodimentof a direct injection sprayer.

FIG. 12 is a somewhat diagrammatic top plan view of one of thecartridges of the sprayer of FIG. 11 with the top and other portionsthereof omitted for clarity.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line XIII--XIII ofFIG. 12 and the top thereof shown in place.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view substantially as taken on line XIV--XIV ofFIG. 12 and with one of the drive assemblies of the sprayer of FIG. 11engaged therewith.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the hydraulic system ofthe sprayer of FIG. 11 showing the control valve of a cartridge in anormal in use position.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 but showing the control valve in acalibrating position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a sprayer.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the sprayer of FIG. 17 shown mounted on avehicle.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged front elevational view of one of the cartridgesof the embodiment of FIG. 17 with a portion thereof broken away for thepurposes of illustration.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line XX--XX ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged sectional view of the calibration means of thesprayer of FIG. 17 with parts removed for purposes of clarity andshowing the valve thereof in a calibrating position.

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the valve in a normalnon-calibrating position.

FIG. 23 is a somewhat schematic view of the hydraulic drive means of thesprayer of FIG. 17.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the master drive means of thesprayer of FIG. 17.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view substantially as taken on the line XXV--XXVof FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary sectional view substantially as taken on theline XXVI--XXVI of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative manner of feeding theliquid to the nozzles in the sprayer of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The direct injection fluid sprayer here disclosed consists of means forspraying fluid mixture onto a field as the sprayer is moved over thefield.

A first embodiment of a fluid sprayer is shown in FIGS. 1-10 andidentified by the numeral 11. The sprayer 11 may be of the type forbeing pulled by a typical agricultural tractor T, or the like, over thefield with the fluid mixture being sprayed onto the field to fertilizeor weed the field, etc. The sprayer 11 preferably includes a frame 13having a hitch means 15 located at the front thereof for allowing theframe 13 to be removably coupled to the tractor T (see FIGS. 1 and 2) toallow the sprayer 11 to be pulled over the field by the tractor Tgenerally in the direction as indicated by the arrow 16 in FIGS. 1 and 2as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The sprayer 11 includes an elongated manifold means 17 coupled to theframe 13 in a manner so that the longitudinal axis 18 of the manifoldmeans 17 is located transverse to the general direction of travel of thesprayer 11 as indicated by the arrow 16 (see, in general, FIG. 1). Themanifold means 17 preferably includes an elongated right manifold member19, an elongated left manifold member 21, and an elongated middlemanifold member 23. Each manifold member 19, 21, 23 includes a hollowinterior for receiving the fluid mixture to be sprayed onto the field. Aplurality of spaced spray nozzles 27 are mounted on each manifold member19, 21, 23 in communication with the interiors thereof for allowing afluid mixture to be sprayed therethrough from the interiors thereof.Hinge means 28 are preferably provided for hingeably joining the rightand left manifold members 19, 21 to the right and left ends respectivelyof the middle manifold member 23 in a manner which allows the right andleft manifold members 19, 21 to be moved between the down or in-useposition for spraying the fluid mixture onto the field and an up orout-of-use position. The sprayer 11 preferably includes a first pistonmeans 29 for selectively moving the right manifold member 19 between thedown or in-use position and the up or out-of-use position and preferablyincludes a second piston means 30 for selectively moving the leftmanifold member 21 between the down or in-use position and the up orout-of-use position. The specific construction of the manifold member 17may vary as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The sprayer 11includes a water tank 31 for holding a quantity of water to be sprayed(see FIGS. 1 and 2). The water tank 31 is secured to the frame 13 andmay be of any typical construction well known to those skilled in theart.

The sprayer 11 includes a water pump means 33 operatively coupled to themanifold means 17 and to the water tank 31 for selectively pumping waterfrom the water tank 31 to the manifold means 17 and out the spraynozzles 27 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The water pump means 33 may be of anytypical construction and operation well known to those skilled in theart. An inlet conduit 35 may extend from the interior of the water tank31 to the inlet port of the water pump means 33, and one or more outletconduits 36 may extend from the outlet port or ports of the water pumpmeans 33 to a particular place in the interior of the manifold means 17(see, in general, FIG. 1). Typical electrical circuitry, and the like,may be provided to control the operation of the pump means 33 in thetypical manner well known to those skilled in the art.

The sprayer 11 preferably includes a first valve means 37 forselectively controlling the flow of fluid through the conduit 36 fromthe pump means 33 to the right manifold member 19 and preferablyincludes a second valve means 38 for selectively controlling the flow offluid through the conduit 36 from the pump means 33 to the left manifoldmember 21.

The sprayer 11 includes at least one and preferably a first chemicaltank 39 for holding a quantity of a first chemical to be sprayed fromthe nozzles 27 with the water, a second chemical tank 41 for holding aquantity of a second chemical to be sprayed from the nozzles 27 with thewater, and a third chemical tank 43 for holding a quantity of a thirdchemical to be sprayed from the nozzles 27 with the water (see, ingeneral, FIG. 1).

The sprayer 11 includes at least one and preferably a first chemicalpump means 45 operatively coupled to the manifold means 17 and the firstchemical tank 39 for selectively pumping chemicals from the firstchemical tank 39 to the manifold means 17 and out the nozzles 27 withthe water, a second chemical pump means 47 operatively coupled to themanifold means 17 and the second chemical tank 41 for selectivelypumping chemicals from the second chemical tank 41 to the manifold means17 and out the nozzles 27 with the water, and a third chemical pumpmeans 49 operatively coupled to the manifold means 17 and the thirdchemical tank 43 for selectively pumping chemicals from the thirdchemical tank 43 to the manifold means 17 and out the nozzles 27 withthe water (see, in general, FIG. 1). The specific construction andoperation of the pump means 45, 47, 49 will hereinafter be described.

An outlet conduit 51 preferably extends from the outlet port of eachpump means 45, 47, 49 to an intermediate manifold member 53 (see FIGS. 1and 2). A first outlet conduit 55 preferably extends from theintermediate manifold member 53 to a place in the right manifold member19 adjacent the place where water enters into the manifold member 19through one of the conduits 36 for allowing a quantity of chemical topass from the intermediate manifold member 53 to the right manifoldmember 19 (see FIG. 1). A second outlet conduit 57 preferably extendsfrom the intermediate member 21 adjacent the place where water entersinto the manifold member 21 through one of the conduits 36 for allowinga quantity of chemical to pass from the intermediate manifold member 53to the left manifold member 21 (see FIG. 1). A third outlet conduit 58perferably extends from the intermediate manifold member 53 to a placein the middle manifold member 23 adjacent the place where water entersinto the manifold member 23 through one of the conduits 36 for allowinga quantity of chemical to pass from the intermediate manifold member 53to the middle manifold member 23 (see FIG. 1). The sprayer 11 preferablyincludes a third valve means 59 for selectively controlling the flow offluid through the first outlet conduit 55 from the intermediate manifoldmember 53 to the right manifold member 19 and preferably includes afourth valve means 60 for selectively controlling the flow of fluidthrough the second outlet conduit 57 from the intermediate manifoldmember 53 to the left manifold member 21.

It will be understood from the foregoing that by having the chemicalsentering the manifold member 17 at places in the manifold memberadjacent the places where the water enters into the manifold member andwhere the chemicals are mixed with the water, the portion of the systemthat is contaminated with the chemical/water mixture is reduced so thatthe amount of flushing needed when chemicals are changed is alsoreduced.

The sprayer 11 includes sensing means 61 for sensing the speed at whichthe sprayer is moving over the field (see FIGS. 1-4). The sensing means61 preferably includes a ground-engaging wheel means 63 for engaging theground as the sprayer 11 is moved over the field. The ground-engagingwheel means 63 preferably includes at least one and preferably a spacedpair of ground-engaging wheels 65 for being rotated by the ground as thesprayer 11 is moved over the field and includes a ground-engaging wheelshaft 67 for being rotated by the ground-engaging wheels 65 as thesprayer 11 is moved over the field at a speed proportional to the speedat which the sprayer 11 is being moved over the field.

The sprayer 11 may include a second frame 69 with a hitch means 70mounted on the front thereof for allowing the frame 69 to be removablyattached to the rear of the frame 13 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The tanks 39,41, 43, pump means 45, 47, 49, sensing means 61 and associated structureare preferably attached to the frame 69 as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

The sprayer 11 includes variable drive means 71 operatively coupled tothe sensing means 61 and to the chemical pump means 45, 47, 49 (seeFIGS. 1 and 4) for varying the output of the chemical pump means 45, 47,49 in proportion to the speed at which the sprayer 11 is moved over thefield. The variable drive means 71 preferably includes a transfer driveshaft 73, a first drive means 75 for selectively driving the chemicalpump means 45, 47, 49 at a first speed, a second drive means 77 forselectively driving the chemical pump means 45, 47, 49 at a secondspeed, and a third drive means 79 for selectively driving the chemicalpump means 45, 47, 49 at a third speed. Each of the drive means 75, 77,79 preferably includes a first sprocket member 81 attached to theground-engaging wheel shaft 67 for being rotated by the ground-engagingwheel shaft 67, a second sprocket member 83 attached to the transferdrive shaft 73 for rotating the transfer drive shaft, a chain member 85coupling the first and second sprocket members 81, 83 to one another forcausing the second sprocket member 83 to rotate when the first sprocketmember 81 rotates at a speed proportional to the speed at which thefirst sprocket member 81 is rotating, and an electromagnetic clutchmeans 87 for disengageably coupling one of the sprocket members 81, 83to the respective one of the shafts 67, 73. The ratios between the firstand second sprocket members 81, 83 of the first drive means 75 may becalculated so as to cause the transfer drive shaft 73 to rotate at thesame speed at which the ground-engaging wheel shaft 67 is rotating. Theratios between the first and second sprocket members 81, 83 of thesecond drive means 77 may be calculated so as to cause the transferdrive shaft 73 to rotate at two-thirds the speed at which theground-engaging wheel shaft 67 is rotating. The ratios between the firstand second sprocket members 81, 83 of the third drive means 79 may becalculated so as to cause the transfer drive shaft 73 to rotate atone-third the speed at which the ground-engaging wheel shaft 67 isrotating. The specific ratios selected depend on many variables as willnow be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, if it is desired tovary the output of the chemical pump means 45, 47, 49 depending onwhether either or both right and left manifold members 19, 21 are in thedown, in-use position, the ratios will depend on the relative lengths ofthe right and left manifold members 19, 21 as compared to the middlemanifold member 21 as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The variable drive means 71 preferably includes a chemical pump drivemeans 89 operatively coupled to the transfer drive shaft 73 and to thechemical pump means 45, 47, 49 (see FIG. 4) for selectively driving thechemical pump means 45, 47, 49 when the transfer drive shaft 73 is beingrotated. The chemical pump drive means 89 preferably includes a chemicalpump drive shaft 91 for each chemical pump means 45, 47, 49 andpreferably includes a first chemical pump drive means 93 for selectivelydriving the first chemical pump means 45, a second chemical pump drivemeans 95 for selectively driving the second chemical pump means 47, anda third chemical pump drive means 97 for selectively driving the thirdchemical pump means 49. Each chemical pump drive means 93, 95, 97preferably includes a first sprocket member 99 attached to the transferdrive shaft 73 for being rotated when the transfer drive shaft 73 isrotated, a second sprocket member 101 attached to the respectivechemical pump drive shaft 91 of the chemical pump drive means 89, achain member 103 for coupling the first and second sprocket members 99,101 to one another for causing the second sprocket member 101 to rotatewhen the first sprocket member 99 is rotated at a speed proportional tothe speed at which the first sprocket member 99 is rotating, and anelectromagnetic clutch means 107 for disengageably coupling one of thesprocket members 99, 101 to the respective one of the shafts 73, 91.

The chemical pump drive means 89 preferably includes an adjustment means109 associated with each chemical pump means 45, 47, 49 (see, ingeneral, FIGS. 4 and 6) for allowing the output volume of each chemicalpump means 45, 47, 49 to be varied. Each adjustment means 109 preferablyincludes a crank means 111 operatively coupled to the respectivechemical pump drive shaft 91 of the chemical pump drive means 89 forbeing rotated by said chemical pump drive shaft 91. Each pump means 45,47, 49 preferably includes a piston means 113 operatively coupled to thecrank means 111 for being reciprocated by the crank means 111 when thecrank means 111 is rotated by the respective chemical pump drive shaft91 and typical additional pump structure 113 of the reciprocating type,or the like, well known to those skilled in the art, associated with thepiston means 113 (see FIG. 5) for coacting with the piston means 113 topump chemicals from the respective chemical tank 39, 41, 43. The pistonmeans 113 preferably includes a piston 114 and a connecting arm portion115 pivotally connected to the top of the piston 114. The crank means111 preferably includes a first crank arm 117 pivotally connected to thetop of the connecting arm portion 115 and a second crank arm 118. Thefirst crank arm 117 has a longitudinal axis 119. The second crank arm118 has a longitudinal axis 120. Each chemical pump drive shaft 91 has alongitudinal axis 121.

The adjustment means 109 preferably includes an adjustable connectingmeans 123 (see FIG.6) for allowing the longitudinal axis 119 of thefirst crank arm 117 to be moved relative to the longitudinal axis 121 ofthe associated chemical pump drive shaft 91 to vary the effective throwof the crank means 111 and the effective stroke of the piston means 113and to thereby vary the output volume of the chemical pump means 45, 47,49 as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. The connectingmeans 123 may include a sleeve 124 having an aperture 125 in one endthereof for receiving the second crank arm 118 and an aperture 126 inthe other end thereof for receiving one of the chemical pump driveshafts 91. Each shaft 91 is preferably fixedly attached to a respectivesleeve 124 in any manner now apparent to those skilled in the art, suchas by way of a key 127 whereby rotation of the shaft 91 will cause thesleeve 124 to rotate. Preferably, the second crank arm 118 has atransverse threaded aperture 128 therethrough, the sleeve 124 has atransverse slot 129 through a portion thereof, and the adjustment means109 includes a threaded bolt member 131 for extending through the slot129 in the sleeve 124 and for threadingly engaging the aperture 128 inthe second crank arm 118. A lock nut 132 and washer 132 are provided onthe bolt member 131 to allow the bolt member 131 to be locked to thesleeve 124 at various selected points along the slot 129 to therebysecure the second crank arm 118 to the sleeve 124 whereby rotation ofeach shaft 91 will cause the associated sleeve 124 and crank means 111to rotate. The longitudinal axes 119, 121 are offset from thelongitudinal axis 120 whereby rotation of the crank arm 118 within theaperture 125 will vary the throw of the crank means 111 as will now beapparent to those skilled in the art.

The sprayer 11 preferably includes a circuit means 133 (see FIG. 10) forelectrically coupling various elements thereof to a source of electricalenergy such as a battery 135. The circuit means 133 preferably includesswitch means for electrically controlling the clutch means 87 of thedrive means 73, 75, 77 and switch means for electrically controlling theclutch means 107 of the chemical pump drive means 89. More specifically,the circuit means 133 preferably includes a first switch member 137 forelectrically controlling the clutch means 87 of the first drive means75, a second switch member 139 for electrically controlling the clutchmeans 87 of the second drive means 77, a third switch member 141 forelectrically controlling the clutch means 87 of the third drive means79, a fourth switch member 143 for electrically controlling the clutchmeans 107 of the first chemical pump drive means 93, a fifth switchmember 145 for electrically controlling the clutch means 107 of thesecond chemical pump drive means 95, and a sixth switch member 147 forelectrically controlling the clutch means 107 of the third chemical pumpdrive means 97. The second switch member 139 is preferably electricallyassociated with the first and third valve means 37, 59 and the firstpiston means 29 for causing the first and third valve means 37, 59 toclose and causing the first piston means 29 to move the right manifoldmeans 19 to the up or out-of-use position when the second switch member139 is closed. The third switch member 141 is preferably electricallyassociated with the first, second, third and fourth valve means 37, 39,59, 60 and the first and second piston means 29, 30 for causing thevalve means 37, 38, 59, 60 to close and causing the piston means 29, 30to move the right and left manifold means 19, 21 to the up, out-of-usepositions when the third switch member 141 is closed. The circuit means133 preferably includes a seventh switch member 149 for electricallycontrolling the clutch means 87 of the second drive means 77. Theseventh switch member 149 is preferably associated with the second andfourth valve means 38, 60 and the second piston means 30 for causing thesecond and third valve means 38, 60 to close and causing the secondpiston means 30 to move the left manifold means 21 to the up, out-of-useposition when the seventh switch member 149 is closed.

The operation and use of the sprayer 11 is quite simple. The initialstep is to adjust the output of each chemical pump means 45, 47, 49based on the amount of flow desired per revolution of the respectivepump drive shaft 91. The actual adjustment is performed with eachrespective adjustment means 109 by loosening the lock nut 132 androtating the crank means 111 to a desired position and then tighteninglock nut 132. Thus, the throw thereof may be varied by changing theamount of offset between the longitudinal axes 119, 121 as will now beapparent to those skilled in the art. The actual output of each chemicalpump means 45, 47, 49 may be checked using a calibrated container tomeasure the output through each respectively outlet conduit 51. With thesprayer 11 being moved over a field in the direction of the arrow 16,the operator of the sprayer 11 need only close one of the switches 137,139, 141, 149 depending on the ratio of spray with respect to the speedof rotation of the ground-engaging wheel shaft 67 desired, and to closeone or more of the switches 143, 145, 147 depending on which pump means45, 47, 49 is to be activated as will now be apparent to those skilledin the art.

A second embodiment of a fluid sprayer is shown in FIGS. 11-16 andidentified by the numeral 2.11. The sprayer 2.11 preferably includes aframe 2.13 having a hitch means 2.15 located at the front thereof forallowing the frame 2.13 to be removably coupled to the tractor T (seeFIG. 11) to allow the sprayer 2.11 to be pulled over the field by thetractor T as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The sprayer 2.11 includes an elongated manifold means 2.17 coupled tothe frame 2.13 in a manner so that the longitudinal axis 2.18 of themanifold means 2.17 is located transverse to the general direction oftravel of the sprayer 2.11.

The manifold means 2.17 preferably includes an elongated right manifoldmember 2.19, an elongated left manifold member 2.21, and an elongatedmiddle manifold member 2.23. Each manifold member 2.19, 2.21, 2.23includes a hollow interior for receiving the fluid mixture to be sprayedonto the field. A plurality of spaced spray nozzles, not shown, butpreferably like the spray nozzles 27 of sprayer 11 (see FIG. 2), aremounted on each manifold member 2.19, 2.21, 2.23 in communication withthe interiors thereof for allowing a fluid mixture to be sprayedtherethrough from the interiors thereof. Hinge means 2.28 are preferablyprovided for hingeably joining the right and left manifold members 2.19,2.21 to the right and left ends respectively of the middle manifoldmember 2.23 in a manner which allows the right and left manifold members2.19, 2.21 to be moved between a down or in-use position for sprayingthe fluid mixture onto the field and an up or out-of-use position. Thesprayer 2.11 preferably includes a first piston means 2.29 forselectively moving the right manifold member 2.19 between the down orin-use position and the up or out-of-use position and preferablyincludes a second piston means 2.30 for selectively moving the leftmanifold member 2.21 between the down or in-use positon and the up orout-of-use position. The specific construction of the manifold member2.17 may vary as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The sprayer 2.11 includes a water tank 2.31 for holding a quantity ofwater to be sprayed (see FIG. 11). The water tank 2.31 is secured to theframe 2.13 and may be of any typical construction well known to thoseskilled in the art.

The sprayer 2.11 includes a water pump means 2.33 operatively coupled tothe manifold means 2.17 and to the water tank 2.31 for selectivelypumping water from the water tank 2.31 to the manifold means 2.17 andout the spray nozzles, not shown. The water pump means 2.33 may be ofany typical construction and operation well known to those skilled inthe art. An inlet conduit 2.35 may extend from the interior of the watertank 2.31 to the inlet port of the water pump means 2.33, and one ormore outlet conduits 2.36 may extend from the outlet port or ports ofthe water pump means 2.33 to the interior of the manifold means 2.17(see, in general, FIG. 11). Typical electrical circuitry and the likemay be provided to control the operation of the pump means 2.33 in thetypical manner well known to those skilled in the art.

The sprayer 2.11 preferably includes a first valve means 2.37 forselectively controlling the flow of fluid through the conduit 2.36 fromthe pump means 2.33 to the right manifold member 2.19 and preferablyincludes a second valve means 2.38 for selectively controlling the flowof fluid through the conduit 2.36 from the pump means 2.33 to the leftmanifold member 2.21.

The sprayer 2.11 includes at least one and preferably a first cartridge2.39 for holding a quantity of a first chemical to be sprayed with thewater, a second cartridge 2.41 for holding a quantity of a secondchemical to be sprayed with the water, and a third cartridge 2.43 forholding a quantity of a third chemical to be sprayed. The cartridges2.39, 2.41, 2.43 are alike and each includes a chemical tank 2.44 (seecartridge 2.39 shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14). Also, each of thecartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 includes chemical pump means 2.45respectively operatively coupled to the manifold means 2.17 and to achemical tank 2.44 for selectively pumping chemicals from each of thechemical tanks 2.44 to the manifold means 2.17 and out the nozzles withthe water.

An outlet conduit 2.51 preferably extends from each of the cartridges2.39, 2.41, 2.43 to an intermediate manifold member 2.53 (see FIG. 11).A first outlet conduit 2.55 preferably extends from intermediatemanifold member 2.53 to a place in the right manifold member 2.19adjacent the place where water enters into the manifold member 2.19through one of the conduits 2.36 for allowing a quantity of chemical topass from the intermediate manifold member 2.53 to the right manifoldmember 2.19 (see FIG. 11). A second outlet conduit 2.57 preferablyextends from the intermediate manifold member 2.53 to a place in theleft manifold member 2.21 adjacent the place where water enters into themanifold member 2.21 through one of the conduits 2.36 for allowing aquantity of chemical to pass from the intermediate manifold member 2.53to the left manifold member 2.21 (see FIG. 11). A third outlet conduit2.58 preferably extends from the intermediate manifold member 2.53 to aplace in the middle manifold member 2.23 adjacent the place where waterenters into the manifold member 2.23 through one of the conduits 2.36for allowing a quantity of chemical to pass from the intermediatemanifold member 2.53 to the middle manifold member 2.23 (see FIG. 11).The sprayer 2.11 preferably includes a third valve means 2.59 forselectively controlling the flow of fluid through the first outletconduit 2.55 from the intermediate manifold member 2.53 to the rightmanifold member 2.19 and preferably includes a fourth valve means 2.60for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through the second outletconduit 2.57 from the intermediate manifold member 2.53 to the leftmanifold member 2.21.

It will be understood from the foregoing that by having the chemicalsentering the manifold member 2.17 at places in the manifold memberadjacent the places where the water enters into the manifold member andwhere the chemicals are mixed with the water, the portion of the systemthat is contaminated with the chemical/water mixture is reduced so thatthe amount of flushing needed when chemicals are changed is alsoreduced.

The sprayer 2.11 includes sensing means 2.61 for sensing the speed atwhich the sprayer is moving over the field (see FIG. 11). The sensingmeans 2.61 preferably includes a ground-engaging wheel means 2.63 forengaging the ground as the sprayer 2.11 is moved over the field. Theground-engaging wheel means 2.63 preferably includes at least one andpreferably a spaced pair of ground-engaging wheels 2.65 for beingrotated by the ground as the sprayer 2.11 is moved over the field andincludeds a ground-engaging wheel shaft 2.67 for being rotated by theground-engaging wheels 2.65 as the sprayer 2.11 is moved over the fieldat a speed proportional to the speed at which the sprayer 2.11 is beingmoved over the field.

The sprayer 2.11 may include a second frame 2.69 with a hitch means 2.70mounted on the front thereof for allowing the frame 2.69 to be removablyattached to the rear of the frame 2.13 (see FIG. 11).

The construction and operation of the above components may besubstantially similar to the like components of the first sprayer 11 asheretofore described and reference should be made thereto for a morecomplete disclosure and understanding.

The principal differences between the first and second embodiments ofthe sprayers of the present invention are:

(1) In sprayer 2.11 the cartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 are adapted to beselectively quickly removed and replaced, and the number of cartridgesattached to frame 2.69 is variable, as opposed to the fixed chemicaltanks 39, 41, 43 of sprayer 11.

(2) In sprayer 2.11 the cartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 are each aself-contained unit that can be used as a removable and transportablerefillable container and that has calibration means incorporatedtherein, which is not true of sprayer 11.

(3) In sprayer 2.11 the overall drive means is more versatile than thedrive means of sprayer 11, as will be more fully understood in thedescription to follow.

Each of cartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 are substantially alike and thefollowing description for cartridge 2.39 will suffice for all.

Cartridge 2.39 comprises a box-like hollow body member 2.71 open at theupper end thereof (see FIGS. 12-14). A partition 2.73 in body member2.71 divides the body member 2.71 into the lower closed tank 2.44 forholding a quantity of liquid chemicals to be dispensed and an upperopen-ended compartment 2.75. A removable top 2.77 is mounted on the openend 2.79 of the upper compartment 2.75 for the closing thereof and forproviding access to the interior of the upper compartment 2.75.

Cartridge 2.39 includes the pump means 2.45 which is preferablyconstructed and operates in a manner similar to the pump means 45. Pumpmeans 2.45 comprises a double acting plunger pump 2.81 located in closedtank 2.44 and includes piston means 2.83 extending upward through anaperture in partition 2.73 into the upper compartment 2.75. The pumpmeans 2.45 includes pump actuating means 2.87 comprising a connectingarm portion 2.89 operatively connected to piston means 2.83, a chemicalpump drive shaft 2.91, and an adjustment means 2.93 coupling chemicaldrive shaft 2.91 to connecting arm portion 2.89 for selectively varyingthe output of chemical pump means 2.45. Adjustment means 2.93 ispreferably substantially similar to adjustment means 109 and referenceshould be made thereto for a more detailed description thereof as to itsconstruction and operation. Suitable support means such as supports2.94, well known to those skilled in the art, are provided for thesupport of drive shaft 2.91, which extends through an aperture in bodymember 2.71. It will be understood that when chemical pump drive shaft2.91 is rotated, it will cause actuation of pump 2.81 and that theoutput of pump 2.81 may be varied by means of adjustment means 2.93.

A first coupler half 2.95 of a quick disconnect coupler 2.97 is fixedlymounted on chemical pump drive shaft 2.91 and accessible from theoutside of hollow body member 2.71 for the rotation of chemical pumpdrive shaft 2.91. Coupler 2.97 includes a second coupler half 2.99adapted to be removably and quickly fitted with first coupler half 2.95without the aid of tools or the like. Coupler 2.97 is preferably of thetype well known to those skilled in the art which is sold as a "FlexibleCoupling" and which preferably includes a "Spider" (rubber piece betweenthe two parts of the coupling) marketed by the Lovejoy Company, 2655Wisconsin Ave., Downers Grove, Ill. 60515. Cartridge 2.39 also includescalibration means 2.101 (see FIGS. 13, 15, and 16) for determining theoutput of pump 2.81 relative to a predetermined number of revolutions ofchemical pump drive shaft 2.91. Calibration means 2.101 includes, ingeneral, a hollow calibration cylinder 2.103, closed at the top andbottom thereof, having suitable calibration marks 2.104 thereon andincludes a valve 2.105. Valve 2.105 is preferably a two position spoolvalve well known to those skilled in the art movable by a handle 2.107between a first position shown in FIG. 16 and a second position shown inFIG. 15. Calibration means 2.101 also includes a suitable conduit meanswhich comprises a vent hose 2.109 communicating the upper interior ofcalibration cylinder 2.103 with the interior of tank 2.44, a conduit2.111 communicating the lower interior of calibration cylinder 2.103with valve 2.105, a conduit 2.113 communicating valve 2.105 with theinterior of tank 2.44, a conduit 2.115 communicating the output of pump2.81 with valve 2.105 and a conduit 2.117 communicating valve 2.105 witha quick disconnect fitting 2.119 preferably of a type well known tothose skilled in the art, e.g. a so called dry coupling fitting marketedby Hansen Coupling Division of Tuthill Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio,Model No. ML4-H 26, which is adapted to removably receive acorresponding fitting 2.121, Model No. ML 4-K 26, marketed by the samecompany and well known to those skilled in the art. Fitting 2.121 isattached to outlet conduit 2.51 whereby when fitting 2.121 is joinedwith fitting 2.119 the output of hydraulic fluid from cartridge 2.39 iscommunicated with intermediate manifold member 2.53, and the same istrue of cartridges 2.41, 2.43.

When valve 2.105 is in said first position (see FIG. 16), conduit 2.115is in communication with conduit 2.111 whereby the output of pump 2.81is in communication with the interior of cylinder 2.103 so that byrotating shaft 2.91 as by means of a suitable handle 2.123, well knownto those skilled in the art, and by setting the adjustment means 2.93,the operator can calibrate the cartridge 2.39. In other words, he isable to set the desired amount of volume of fluid that pump 2.81 putsout per revolution of shaft 2.91 by adjusting the stroke setting of pump2.81 with adjustment means 2.93. He is able to determine said volume forany given setting by observing the height of the fluid in calibrationcylinder 2.103 per revolution of shaft 2.91 as shown by calibrationmarks 2.104.

When valve 2.105 is in said second position (see FIG. 15), conduit 2.115is in communication with conduit 2.117 whereby the output of pump 2.81is available at fitting 2.119 so that when fitting 2.121 is joinedtherewith, the fluid will be available to flow to the portion orportions of manifold 2.17 desired. Also, when valve 2.105 is in saidsecond position, conduit 2.111 is in communication with conduit 2.113 sothat a path is provided for the return of any fluid in calibrationcylinder 2.103 back to tank 2.44.

From the foregoing it will be understood that calibration means 2.101 isa closed calibration unit, that is, the calibration operation may beperformed as many times as desired and the valve 2.105 changed betweensaid first and second positions as necessary without the operator havingto come in contact with the chemicals.

Additionally, cartridge 2.39 includes a quick disconnect dry couplingfitting 2.125 which is well known to those skilled in the art andpreferably is substantially similar to fitting 2.119, but preferably isof a different size, namely Model No. ML8-H 36. Fitting 2.125 is mountedon the outside of body member 2.71 and is in communication with theinterior of tank 2.44 whereby the tank may be filled with liquidchemicals without having to open the tank. However, if it is necessaryto open tank 2.44 for any reason, as for example, to clean the tank,then a bung 2.126, which is preferably provided in a bunghole inpartition 2.73, may be used to gain access to the interior of tank 2.44.

One or more of the cartridges 2.39, as desired, are removably mounted onsecond frame 2.69. When more than one cartridge is so mounted, as shownby the cartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 in FIG. 11, the cartridges arepreferably mounted in spaced relationship. The means for mountingcartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 and the construction of frame 2.69 for somounting the cartridges is described hereinafter.

Frame 2.69 preferably includes pairs of spaced-apart angle members 2.127extending transverse to the direction of movement of sprayer 2.11 overthe ground to establish a plurality of attachment rails 2.129 (see FIG.13). Included in frame 2.69 are suitable structural members, now shown,but well known to those skilled in the art, for supporting rails 2.129and for attaching sensing means 2.61 to frame 2.69.

Attaching means 2.131 is provided for quickly attaching and detachingcartridge means 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 to and from attachment rails 2.129 andfor permitting selective movement, as desired, of the cartridge meansalong rails 2.129 for adjustment of the positions thereof. Attachingmeans 2.131 preferably includes a plurality of threaded studs 2.133welded or otherwise secured to the bottom of body member 2.71, plates2.135 having apertures therein through which studs 2.133 respectivelyextend, and nuts 2.139 threaded onto studs 2.133 for holding thecartridge means in selected fixed locations on rails 2.129.

Overall drive means 2.141 is operatively coupled to sensing means 2.61and to cartridge means 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 for varying the output of thecartridge means 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 in proportion to the speed at whichsprayer 2.11 is being moved over the field. In additin, each of theindividual cartridge means 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 may be set to a specificoutput of chemicals depending upon the desired application at any giventime of the chemicals onto the field, as will be understood more fullyfrom the description to follow hereinafter.

Overall drive means 2.141 includes a main gear box 2.143 mounted onframe 2.69 and a plurality of intermediate gear boxes 2.145 adjustablyand removably mounted on frame 2.69. There is preferably one gear box2.145 for each cartridge 2.39, 2.41, 2.43. Each of the intermediate gearboxes 2.145 and main gear box 2.143 includes an input shaft 2.147 and anoutput shaft 2.149. There are a plurality of connecting rods 2.151removably connecting the input shafts 2.147 of intermediate gear boxes2.145 together for conjoint movement of the input shafts. The inputshafts 2.147 and rods 2.151 are preferably coupled together by means ofquick couplers 2.153; the output shaft 2.149 of main gear box 2.143 isremovably coupled to the input shaft 2.147 of one of the intermediategear boxes 2.145 by means of a quick coupler 2.155 to establish an inputshaft assembly 2.156 for conjoint movement of output shaft 2.149 of themain gear box 2.143 and the input shafts 2.147 of the intermediate gearboxes 2.145. Quick couplers 2.97 removably couple the output shafts2.149 of the intermediate gear boxes 2.145 respectively to the chemicalpump drive shafts 2.91 of the cartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 for thedriving thereof. All of the couplers 2.153, 2.155, and 2.97 arepreferably of the quick coupling type previously described relative tocoupler 2.97.

Each of the intermediate gear boxes 2.145 includes variable intermediatedrive means 2.157 and main gear box 2.143 includes variable main drivemeans 2.158. The drive means 2.157 and 2.158 are preferablysubstantially identical and each includes a first drive means 2.159 forselectively driving the output shaft 2.149 at a first speed, a seconddrive means 2.161 fo rselectively driving the output shaft 2.149 at asecond speed, and a third drive means 2.163 for selectively driving theoutput shaft 2.149 at a third speed. Each of the drive means 2.159,2.161, 2.163 preferably includes a first sprocket member 2.165 attachedto the input shaft 2.147 for being rotated by input shaft 2.147, asecond sprocket member 2.167 meshed with first sprocket member 2.165 andattached to the output shaft 2.149 for rotating the output shaft 2.149,and an electromagnetic clutch means 2.169 for selectively disengaginglycoupling output shaft 2.149 with second sprocket member 2.167.

A drive mechanism 2.171 which is a part of the overall drive means 2.141is provided for rotating the input shaft 2.147 of main gear box 2.143 inresponse to rotation of ground-engaging wheel 2.65. Drive mechanism2.171 includes suitable drive means well known to those skilled in theart and preferably includes a drive chain 2.173 engaging sprockets 2.175respectively mounted on ground-engaging wheel shaft 2.67 and on a stubshaft 2.177 rotatably mounted from frame 2.69 by means well known tothose skilled in the art, and which stub shaft 2.177 is coupled to theinput shaft 2.147 of main gear box 2.143 by a coupler 2.179substantially similar to quick coupler 2.97.

Main gear box 2.143 and intermediate gear boxes 2.145 each preferablyincludes a housing 2.181 which houses the respective drive means 2.158,12.157. The housing 2.181 of main gear box 2.143 is preferably fixedlymounted on frame 2.69 by suitable means well known to those skilled inthe art, but, if desired, it may be removably mounted from frame 2.69,in the manner, for example, like the removable mountings of the housingsof intermediate gear boxes 2.145 as will be hereinafter described.

Each intermediate gear box 2.145 preferably includes a plurality of legs2.183 fixedly attached to the housing 2.181 and depending therefrom to abase plate 2.185 and to which the legs are fixedly attached by suitablemeans as by welding or the like. Each of the base plates 2.185 of theintermediate gear boxes 2.145 is preferably removably attached to theattachment rails 2.129 in the same manner as cartridges 2.39, 2.41,2.43, that is, by quick attaching means 2.131 so that the intermeditegear boxes 2.145 may be removed or selectively positioned along theattachment rails and secured thereto in a selected position.

The ratios between the first and second sprocket members 2.165, 2.167 ofthe first drive means 2.159 of the main gear box 2.143 may be calculatedso as to cause the output shaft 2.149 of main gear box 2.143 and inputshaft assembly 2.156 to rotate at the same speed at which theground-engaging wheel shaft 2.67 is rotating. The ratios between thefirst and second sprocket members 2.165, 2.167 of the second drive means2.161 of the main gear box 2.143 may be calculated so as to cause theoutput shaft 2.149 and input shaft assembly 2.156 to rotate attwo-thirds the speed at which the ground-engaging wheel shaft 2.67 isrotating. The ratios between the first and second sprocket members2.165, 2.167 of the third drive means 2.163 may be calculated so as tocause the output shaft 2.149 of the main gear box 2.143 and the inputshaft assembly 2.156 to rotate at one-third the speed at which theground-engaging wheel shaft 2.67 is rotating. The specific ratiosselected depend on many variables as will now be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Thus, if it is desired to vary the output of thecartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 depending on whether either or both rightand left manifold members 2.19, 2.21 are in the down, in-use position,the ratios will depend on the relative lengths of the right and leftmanifold members 2.19, 2.21 as compared to the middle manifold member2.3 as will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Similarly,since each of the cartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 preferably has its owngear box, the ratios may be selected depending upon the particularchemicals to be used and the field conditions expected to beencountered. Further, since each intermediate gear box 2.145 has aselection of drive rates that it drives its corresponding cartridge togive the desired output of the cartridge and since each of thecartridges may carry a different chemical, so called prescription weedand pest control is made possible. For example, if a field is beingsprayed with one or two chemicals and the operator comes to a group ofweeds or an insect population, the particular cartridge containing theapplicable chemical for weed or insect control may be turned on and atthe rate desired for spot treating and then turned off again. Also, atanother place in the field, a different rate may be needed dependingupon the density, etc. of the weeds or insects, which can easily andquickly be taken care of by the versatile and effective sprayer of thepresent invention.

A third embodiment of a fluid sprayer is shown in FIGS. 17-26 andidentified by the numeral 3.11. The sprayer 3.11 preferably is adaptedto be detachably mounted on the side of an existing vehicle such as afarm tractor partially shown as at T in FIG. 18.

Sprayer 3.11 includes a frame 3.13 formed of suitable open frameconstruction well known to those skilled in the art and preferably asshown in FIG. 17. Frame 3.13 is removably attached to the side oftractor T by suitable means as brackets 3.15.

Sprayer 3.11 includes one or more cartridges 3.17 which are basicallythe same as cartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 and similar parts havecorresponding numbers except that the numbers begin with the number "3"instead of "2". Thus, cartridge 3.17 comprises a box-like hollow bodymember 3.71 open at the upper end thereof. A partition 3.73 in bodymember 3.71 divides the body member 3.71 into the lower closed tank 3.44for holding a quantity of a liquid chemical to be dispensed and an upperopen-ended upper compartment 3.75. A removable top 3.77 is mounted onthe open end 3.79 of the upper compartment 3.75 for the closing thereofand for providing access to the interior of the upper compartment 3.75.

Cartridge 3.17 includes pump means 3.45 which is preferably constructedand operates in a manner similar to pump means 2.45 and pump means 45.Thus, pump means 3.45 comprises a double acting plunger pump 3.81located in closed tank 3.44 and includes piston means 3.83 extendingupward through an aperture in partition 3.73 into the upper compartment3.75. The pump means 3.45 includes pump actuating means 3.87, preferablysimilar to pump actuating means 2.87 and comprising a connecting armportion, not shown, but like connecting arm portion 2.89, operativelyconnected to piston means 3.83, a chemical pump drive shaft 3.91, and anadjustment means 3.93 coupling chemical drive shaft 3.91 to theconnecting arm portion for selectively varying the output of chemicalpump means 3.45. Adjustment means 3.93 is preferably substantiallysimilar to adjustment means 109 and reference should be made thereto fora more detailed description thereof as to its construction andoperation. Suitable support means such as supports 3.94, well known tothose skilled in the art, are provided for the support of drive shaft3.91. It will be understood that when chemical pump drive shaft 3.91 isrotated, it will cause actuation of pump 3.81 and that the output ofpump 3.81 may be varied by means of adjustment means 3.93.

A first coupler half 3.95 of a quick disconnect coupler similar tocoupler 2.97 is fixedly mounted on chemical pump drive shaft 3.91 andaccessible from the outside of hollow body member 3.71 for the rotationof chemical pump drive shaft 3.91.

Cartridge 3.17 also includes calibration means 3.101 (see FIG. 20) fordetermining the output of pump 3.81 relative to a predetermined numberof revolutions of chemical pump drive shaft 3.91. Calibration means3.101 includes, in general, a hollow transparent calibration cylinder3.103 having suitable calibration marks 3.104 thereon and includes avalve 3.105 which is positioned differently in cartridge 3.17 than incartridge 2.39. Thus, in cartridge 3.17 valve 3.105 is positioned in theinterior of calibration cylinder 3.103 along the longitudinal centerline thereof (see FIGS. 21 and 22). Valve 3.105 is preferably a twoposition spool valve movable by a handle 3.107 between a first positionshown in FIG. 21 and a second position shown in FIG. 22. The undersideof handle 3.107 acts as a stop for the valve 3.105 when the valve is insaid second position and a stop 3.108 stops the valve in said firstposition. Calibration means 3.101 also includes suitable conduit meanswhich comprises a vent 3.109 communicating the upper interior ofcalibration cylinder 3.103 with the interior of tank 3.44, conduits3.111 communicating the lower interior of calibration cylinder 3.103with valve 3.105, conduits 3.113 communicating valve 3.105 with theinterior of tank 3.44, a conduit 3.115 communicating the output of pump3.81 with the valve 3.105, and a conduit 3.117 communicating valve 3.105with a quick disconnect fitting 3.119 substantially similar to fitting2.119, which is adapted to removably receive a corresponding fitting,not shown, substantially similar to fitting 2.121. Although suchcorresponding fitting, the conduit connected therewith, water tank,manifolds, spray nozzles, conduits, valves, etc., for applying thechemicals to the field are not shown relative to the sprayer 3.11, itwill be understood that these parts preferably are substantially similarto those shown and described relative to sprayer 2.11 and referenceshould be made to the description of sprayer 2.11 for the constructionand operation of the corresponding parts of sprayer 3.11. Also, a quickdisconnect dry coupling fitting 3.125, similar in construction andoperation to fitting 2.125, is mounted on cartridge body member 3.71 andis in communication with the interior of tank 3.44 whereby the tank maybe filled with liquid chemicals without having to open the tank.

The differences between the cartridge 3.17 and cartridge 2.39 (andtherefore cartridges 2.41 and 2.43) are described hereinafter.

In cartridge 3.17, the body member 3.71 is provided with an insetportion 3.127 bounded in the back thereof by a sloping wall 3.129, by aportion of partition 3.73 on the bottom thereof, and by side walls3.131, 3.133. Inset portion 3.127 is provided with an opening 3.135 atthe front part thereof. Fitting 3.125 is mounted in inset portion 3.127as best seen in FIGS. 19 and 20, with the fitting not extendingoutwardly beyond opening 3.135 yet being accessible from the outside ofcartridge 3.17 so that the tank 3.44 may be filled with the use of aquick disconnect fitting, not shown, that mates with fitting half 3.125.

Another difference between cartridges 2.39 and 3.17 is that fitting3.119 is mounted on the top side of sloping wall 3.129 in the interiorof upper compartment 3.75. Access to connect the other half of thefitting to the fitting half 3.119 may be gained by removing top 3.77 orby providing an aperture, not shown, in top 3.77 which can also be usedfor extending the conduit therefrom to the other parts of the sprayer3.11 for the spraying of the chemicals on the field, as is more fullydescribed relative to sprayer 2.11. The purpose in having the fittings3.119 and 3.125 within the boundaries of body member 3.71 is so thatwith this construction the cartridges 3.17 are adapted to be detachedfrom frame 3.13 and used for transporting the various chemicals withouthaving any interference from the fittings projecting from the bodymember 3.71. Thus, there is no danger of the fittings being knocked offand the cartridges may be stacked more readily and arranged to take upless space during transportation.

Still another difference between cartridges 2.39 and 3.17 is in thepositioning of first coupler half 3.95 substantially within theboundaries of body member 3.71 as shown in FIG. 19 wherein it will beseen coupler half 3.95 extends partially through an opening 3.137 in thewall of body member 3.71 so that the coupler half 3.95 is accessiblefrom the outside of body member 3.71 and yet does not interfere withtransporting the cartridge, etc.

Additional differences between cartridges 2.39 and 3.17 include thecalibration means 3.101 which has been briefly mentioned and thetransparent sight glasses 3.139 provided in the wall of tank 3.44 sothat the level of the liquid chemicals in the tank may be observed. Thesight glasses 3.139 are preferably spaced so that one is adjacent theupper part of the tank 3.44, one adjacent the middle, and one adjacentthe bottom of the tank 3.44.

More specifically relative to calibration means 3.101, the portions ofthe conduits 3.111, 3.113, 3.115, 3.117 in calibration means 3.101 andthe bore 3.141 of the valve 3.105 are provided in the base 3.143 ofcalibration means 3.101. The vent 3.109 is preferably formed byproviding one of the tie rods 3.145 of the calibrations means with ahollow center which is in communication with the upper interior ofcylinder 3.103 through a bored out portion 3.147 and the lower end ofthe hollow tie rod 3.145 is in communication with tank 3.44 through aconduit 3.149 which extends through an aperture in partition 3.73. Thehandle 3.107 and stop 3.108 of valve 3.105 are provided on a rod 3.151that extends from handle 3.107 to the lower spool portion 3.153 of thevalve.

Calibration means 3.101 operates in a manner similar to calibrationmeans 2.101. Thus, when valve 3.105 is in said first position (see FIG.21), conduit 3.115 is in communication with conduits 3.111 whereby theoutput of pump 3.81 is in communication with the interior of cylinder3.103 so that by rotating shaft 3.91 manually by hand or by other means,not shown, and by setting the adjustment means 3.93 the operator cancalibrate the cartridge 3.17 as heretofore more fully described relativeto calibration means 2.101. Then, when valve 3.105 is in said secondposition (see FIG. 22), conduit 3.115 is in communication with conduit3.117 whereby the output of pump 3.81 is available at fitting 3.119 sothat when joined with the remaining system of sprayer 3.11, it will beready for spraying the chemicals on the field as needed.

One or more of the cartridges 3.17, as desired, are removably mounted onframe 3.13. The same type detachable mounting means as used forcartridges 2.39, 2.41, 2.43 are preferably provided to selectively holdcartridges 3.17 in place.

Sprayer 3.11 includes sensing means 3.155 for sensing the speed at whichthe sprayer is moving over the field (see FIGS. 17 and 18). The sensingmeans 3.155 preferably includes ground-engaging wheel means 3.157 forengaging the ground as the sprayer 3.11 is moved over the field. Theground-engaging wheel means 3.157 preferably includes a ground-engagingwheel 3.159 for being rotated by the ground as the sprayer 3.11 is movedover the field and includes a ground-engaging wheel shaft 3.161 uponwhich the wheel 3.159 is rotatably mounted. As the sprayer 3.11 is movedover the field, the ground-engaging wheel 3.159 rotates at a speedproportional to the speed at which the sprayer 3.11 is being moved overthe field.

Overall drive means 3.163 is operatively coupled to sensing means 3.155and to cartridges 3.17 for varying the output of the cartridges inproportion to the speed at which sprayer 3.11 is moved over the field.In addition, each individual cartridge 3.17 may be set to a specificoutput of chemicals depending upon the desired application at any giventime of the chemicals onto the field, as will now be understood by thoseskilled in the art.

Overall drive means 3.163 includes a main gear box 3.165 mounted onframe 3.13 and a plurality of intermediate gear boxes 3.167 movablymounted on frame 3.163. There is preferably one gear box 3.167 for eachcartridge 3.17.

Intermediate gear boxes 3.167, main gear box 3.165, and the connectionstherebetween are constructed and operate in the same manner asintermediate gear boxes 2.145, main gear box 2.143 and the connectionstherebetween, and for a detailed description thereof reference should bemade to sprayer 2.11.

One of the main differences between sprayer 3.11 and sprayer 2.11 isthat the overall drive means 3.163 of sprayer 3.11 includes hydraulicdrive means 3.169 operatively coupled between ground-engaging wheelmeans 3.157 and the input shaft 3.171 of main gear box 3.165.

Hydraulic drive means 3.169 includes slave drive means 3.173 operativelycoupled to input shaft 3.171 for the rotation thereof and includesmaster drive means 3.175 operatively coupled to ground engaging wheelmeans 3.157 and slave drive means 3.173 for rotation of input shaft3.171 in proportion to the rotation of wheel 3.159 (see, in general,FIG. 23).

Slave drive means 3.173 includes a plurality of slave piston means3.177, and each of the slave piston means 3.177 includes a slavecylinder 3.179 and a slave piston 3.181 movably mounted therein. Masterdrive means 3.175 includes a like plurality of master piston means3.183. There are preferably six of the master piston means 3.183 equallyspaced in circular arrangement at sixty degree intervals and likewisethere are preferably six of the slave piston means 3.177 similarlyarranged. The slave piston means 3.177 are supported from the outside ofmain gear box 3.165 by suitable means, well known to those skilled inthe art, such as brackets 3.184. Each of the master piston means 3.183includes a master cylinder 3.185 and a master piston 3.187 movablymounted herein. Cylinders 3.185 are preferably formed in an annularmember 3.189 having an inner circular surface 3.191. Annular member3.189 is fixedly mounted from a disc member 3.193, or other suitablesupporting structure well known to those skilled in the art, by suitablemeans as bolts 3.195. Disc member 3.193 is, in turn, fixedly mounted onthe non-rotatable wheel shaft 3.161 by suitable means known to thoseskilled in the art, as by the cylindrical portion 3.197 which is formedintegral with disc member 3.193 and fixed to shaft 3.161 by suitablemeans well known to those skilled in the art. Slave piston means 3.177are respectively paired with master piston means 3.183 to establish alike plurality of paired piston means 3.199 (see FIG. 23). Thus, thereare preferably six paired piston means 3.199 with each including one ofthe slave piston means 3.177 and one of the master piston means 3.183.Conduit means 3.201 respectively communicate the cylinders 3.179, 3.185of paired piston means 3.199 with one another to establish a likeplurality of closed fluid systems 3.203. Hydraulic oil is received inthe closed fluid systems 3.203, and suitable bleed means, such as bleedvalves 3.205, are provided, respectively in communication with theinterior of cylinders 3.185 and the outside atmosphere to bleed the airfrom each of the systems 3.203, as needed.

Slave pistons 3.181 and master pistons 3.187 are respectively movable incylinders 3.179 and 3.185 between extended and retracted positions.Movement of each of pistons 3.181, 3.187 from said retracted position tosaid extended position is effective to displace a predetermined amountof hydraulic fluid. The displacement of hydraulic oil in one of thecylinders 3.179, 3.185 of each of the paired piston means 3.199 issubstantially the same as the displacement of hydraulic oil in thecylinder 3.179, 3.185 of the other of said each of the paired pistonmeans 3.199.

Wheel cam means 3.207 is mounted on wheel 3.159 for actuation uponrotation of wheel 3.159. Master pistons 3.187 are arranged around wheelcam means 3.207 at sixty degree intervals respectively along radii ofwheel 3.159 and are in operable contact with the wheel cam means tocause the master pistons 3.187 respectively to move from said retractedpositions to said extended position. There are lips 3.215 on the innerside edges of wheel cam means 3.207 to restrict lateral movement ofmaster pistons 3.187.

Slave drive means 3.173 includes an inner slave cam means 3.217 fixedlymounted on input shaft 3.171 for causing rotation of input shaft 3.171with the rotation of inner slave cam means 3.217, an outer slave cammeans 3.219, and slave bearing means 3.221 between inner slave cam means3.217 and outer slave cam means 3.219 for permitting rotation of innerslave cam means 3.217 relative to outer slave cam means 3.219.

Wheel cam means 3.207 and inner slave cam means 3.217 each includes amajor cam portion 3.223 and a minor cam portion 3.225. A first changinggroup 3.227 of master piston means 3.183 occurs during the operation ofmaster drive means 3.175 and is defined as those master piston means3.183 which are adjacent major cam portion 3.223 at any particular timeas the wheel cam means 3.207 is actuated. Also, a second changing group3.229 of master piston means 3.183 occurs during the operation of masterdrive means 3.175 and is defined as those master piston means 3.183which are adjacent minor cam portion 3.225 at any particular time as thewheel cam means 3.207 is actuated.

Coupling means, which preferably comprises rods 3.230 respectivelypivotally attached to slave pistons 3.181 and extending into slots 3.231in the outer edge of outer slave cam means 3.219, couples slave pistons3.181 with outer slave cam means 3.291 for causing rotation of the innerslave cam means 3.217 as the slave pistons 3.181 move toward extendedpositions. the slots 3.231 are preferably V-shaped as seen in FIG. 23,so as to allow some relative movement of the rods 3.230 and outer slavecam means 3.219.

A first changing group 3.233 of slave piston means 3.177 occurs duringthe operation of slave drive means 3.173 and is defined as those slavepiston means 3.177 which are adjacent major cam portion 3.223 of innerslave cam means 3.217 at any particular time as inner slave cam means3.217 rotates. A second changing group 3.235 of slave piston means 3.177occurs during the operation of slave drive means 3.173 and is defined asthose slave piston means 3.177 which are adjacent minor cam portion3.225 of inner slave cam means 3.217 as the inner slave cam means 3.217rotates. The major cam portions 3.223 and the minor cam portions 3.225of wheel cam means 3.207 and inner slave cam means 3.217 are 180 degreesout of phase with one another with respect to the paired piston means3.199, that is, when a slave piston means 3.177 is adjacent a major camportion 3.223, the master piston means 3.183 of that pair is adjacent aminor cam portion 3.225, and when a slave piston means 3.177 is adjacenta minor cam portion 3.225, the master piston means 3.183 of that pair isadjacent a major cam portion 3.223.

The master cylinders 3.185 of first changing group 3.227 of the masterpiston means 3.183 are in communication with the slave cylinders 3.179of second changing group 3.235 of the slave piston means 3.177, and themaster cylinders 3.185 of the second changing gorup 3.229 of the masterpiston means 3.183 are in communication with the slave cylinders 3.179of the first changing group 3.233 of the slave piston means 3.177whereby as wheel 3.159 rotates and wheel cam means 3.207 is actuated,the first changing group 3.227 of master piston means 3.183 causes aportion of the hydraulic oil to flow from the first changing group 3.227of master piston means 3.183 to the second changing group 3.235 of slavepiston means 3.177 whereby to rotate inner slave cam means 3.217 and theinput shaft 3.171. The rotation of inner slave cam means 3.217 acutatesthe outer slave cam means 3.219 and slave piston means 3.177 to cause aportion of the hydraulic oil to flow from the first changing group 3.233of the slave piston means 3.177 and return to the second changing group3.229 of the master piston means 3.183 to cause the master pistons 3.187of the second changing group 3.229 of the master piston means 3.183 tobe urged towards the wheel cam means 3.207.

Wheel cam means 3.207 includes an inner master cam portion 3.237, anouter master cam portion 3.239, and a master bearing ring 3.241 disposedbetween the cam portions 3.237 and 3.239. The outer cam surface 3.243 ofouter master cam portion 3.239, the inner surface 3.245 of outer mastercam portion 3.239, the outer surface 3.246 of inner master cam portion3.237, and the master bearing ring 3.241 are circular, and areconcentric with respect to one another but are eccentric relative to theaxis 3.247 about which wheel 3.159 rotates. Thus, the centers (shown asat 3.249 in FIG. 23) of outer cam surface 3.243, inner surface 3.245,outer surface 3.246, and master bearing ring 3.241 are coincident withone another and are spaced from axis 3.247. Inner master cam portion3.237 is preferably circular on the inner surface 3.251 thereof with thesurface 3.251 being eccentric relative to the outer cam surface 3.243but concentric with respect to wheel 3.159. Inner master cam portion3.237 is fixedly attached to wheel 3.159 for rotation therewith bysuitable means well known to those skilled in the art, as for example,by being attached as by welding or the like to a hub portion 3.253 ofwheel 3.159 which rotates about the wheel shaft 3.161. From theforegoing it will be understood by those skilled in the art that aswheel 3.159 and inner master cam portion 3.237 rotate the major camportion 3.223 and the minor cam portion 3.225 effectively movesuccessively around in a circle in contact with the successive masterpistons 3.187.

In the operation of the sprayer 3.11, it will be understood that thesprayer may be attached to a suitable tractor by means heretoforedescribed. In doing so one of the existing wheels of the tractor may bereplaced by wheel means 3.157. Before spraying the field, each of thecartridges 3.17 are preferably calibrated for the particular chemical inthe tank 3.44, as heretofore described, and the conduits are hooked upthe spray manifolds and water tank, which may be provided as heretoforedescribed relative to sprayer 2.11, or suitable spray equipment may beprovided on the tractor, well known to those skilled in the art, towhich sprayer 3.11 may be attached. Also, suitable electrical circuits,well known to those skilled in the art, may be provided for actuatingthe electromagnetic clutch means in the main gear box 3.165 andintermediate gear boxes 3.167 whereby the operator has a great amount offlexibility and can very effectively accomplish prescription weed andpest control.

FIG. 27 shows an alternative manner in which the chemical and water maybe distributed to the nozzles in any of the previous embodiments.Instead of feeding the water and the chemicals to the manifold where theliquids are mixed and the mixture flows to the nozzles as in theprevious embodiments, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 27 the water fromthe water tank 4.31 which flows through the conduit 4.33 is fed into themanifold 4.35 directly behind a nozzle 4.37. Similarly, the chemicalsfrom the tanks or cartridges 4.39 which flow through the conduits 4.41are fed into the manifold 4.35 directly behind a nozzle 4.37. Thus, theportion of the system in which the liquids are mixed is only at thenozzles thereby further minimizing the portion of the system that iscontaminated with the chemical mixture so that the amount of flushingneeded when chemicals are changed is reduced to a minimum. It will beunderstood that the system shown in FIG. 27 may be utilized to feed theliquids to one or more or all of the nozzles in any given system of theprevious embodiments of the sprayers of the present invention heretoforedisclosed.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated withrespect to a preferred embodiment thereof and a preferred use therefor,it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications can be madetherein which are within the full intended scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A drive mechanism for driving a shaft in unison with a wheelcomprising a master drive means and a slave drive means, said slavedrive means including a plurality of slave piston means, each of saidslave piston means including a slave cylinder and a slave piston movablymounted in said slave cylinder, said master drive means including a likeplurality of master piston means, each of said master piston meansincluding a master cylinder and a master piston movably mounted in saidmaster cylinder, said slave piston means being respectively paired withsaid master piston means to establish a like plurality of paired pistonmeans, conduit means respectively communicating said cylinders of saidpaired piston means with one another to establish a like plurality ofclosed fluid systems, hydraulic oil received in said closed fluidsystems, each of said pistons in said slave drive means and said masterdrive means being movable in said cylinders between an extended and aretracted position, movement of each of said pistons from said retractedposition to said extended position being effective to displace apredetermined amount of said hydraulic oil, said displacement of saidhydraulic oil in one of the cylinders of each of said paired pistonmeans being substantially the same as the displacement of said hydraulicoil in the cylinder of the other of said paired piston means, wheel cammeans operatively coupled to said wheel for actuation upon rotation ofsaid wheel, said master pistons being arranged around said wheel cammeans and in operable contact with said wheel cam means to cause saidmaster pistons respectively to move from said retracted positions tosaid extended positions, said slave drive means including an inner slavecam means fixedly mounted on said shaft for causing rotation of saidshaft with the rotation of said inner slave cam means, an outer slavecam means, and slave bearing means between said inner slave cam meansand said outer slave cam means for permitting rotation of said innerslave cam means relative to said outer slave cam means, said wheel cammeans and said inner slave cam means each including a major cam portionand a minor cam portion, a first changing group of said master pistonmeans being adjacent said major cam portion of said wheel cam means anda second changing group of said master piston means being adjacent saidminor cam portion of said wheel cam means as said wheel cam means isactuated, means coupling said slave pistons with said outer slave cammeans for causing rotation of said inner slave cam means as said slavepistons move toward extended positions, a first changing group of saidslave piston means adjacent said major cam portion of said inner slavecam means and a second changing group of said slave piston meansadjacent said minor cam portion of said inner slave cam means as saidinner slave cam means rotates, said major cam portions of said wheel cammeans and said inner slave cam means and said minor cam portions of saidwheel cam means and said inner slave cam means being 180 degrees out ofphase with one another, said master cylinders of said first changinggroup of said master piston means being in communication with said slavecylinders of second changing group of said slave piston means, and saidmaster cylinders of said second changing group of said master pistonmeans being in communication with said slave cylinders of said firstgroup of changing slave piston means whereby as said wheel rotates andsaid wheel cam means is actuated, said first changing group of saidmaster piston means causes a portion of said hydraulic oil to flow fromsaid first changing group of said master piston means to said secondchanging group of said slave piston means to rotate said inner slave cammeans and said shaft and rotation of said inner slave cam means actuatedsaid outer slave cam means and said slave piston means to cause aportion of said hydraulic oil to flow from said first changing group ofsaid slave piston means and return to said second changing group of saidmaster piston means to cause said master pistons of said second changinggroup of said master piston means to be urged towards said wheel cammeans.